reef-pi :: An opensource reef tank controller based on Raspberry Pi.

[Ranjib]

I would not be comfortable relying on WiFi for critical aquarium equipment.

I have the same concern as well, but I think theres some good mechanism in place now. I am using google wifi routers (two of them) to build a mesh network at home/garage. Each of these little beasts can easily support 12-15 devices. So theres redundancy as well as isolation from my comcast/xfinity router. Which means my devices (reef-pi, model railroad controller, octoprint, garage controller, terrrarium controller etc etc) will continue function even if comcast router dies or disconnect from internet. This also gives me the ability to watch their health state from mobile app anywhere in the world and poke a hole (port forward) on-demand, without relying on xfinity's expensive packages (my xfinity ??). Its still need to be proven for long term usage, as i just introduced this in less than a month before, but i think this is something reliable enough that I can recommend. I'll keep you all posted about my learning

 

[trackerit]

@Ranjib

On the pico board, can I use the pins in the header for the ato? although I only have 5 volts?

 

[DirtDiggler2823]

HI friends, I'm bala from INDIA


First of all I thank everyone how contributed their work on REEF-pi. I never think I will have automation in my aquarium. I get to know reef-pi by watching one youtube channel named Rickets Reef.


Basically I don’t know anything about electronic and programing. By seeing the support you peoples are giving. I simply ordered every items to make Reef-pi. I love to make DIY, but I never tried any DIY in electrical.

I’m having 70G main tank and 40G sump. For that I started MY reef-pi built, by Step by step Guide from reef-pi.github and reef2reef website. I successfully connected 2 temperature probe, 1 float switch, and 1 small LES to test.

In that I come across with some problem

1) I added one led in GPIO pin 21 and added it in equipment. if I triggered the float switch LED is turning on , but when I manually turn on the led (in Equipment) it is turning on and automatically going off after few seconds, and I try set that equipment as heater, same problem over there , turning off in few seconds ....



2) I got pca9685 to control my DIY light, in that I don’t know what is the name of the pins in pca9685 to enter in jacks option. In reef-pi.github website they entered as pin 0, 1 and 2,3 and 4,5 and 12 .how they are defining 0,1 as pin number
how to find pin number for 16 pin in pca9685

How did you get your metrics to display side by side?

 

[AquaRaider44]

How did you get your metrics to display side by side?

Use 2 columns on the dashboard set up.

 

[DirtDiggler2823]

Use 2 columns on the dashboard set up.

That's how I have it set, but no luck.

 

[AquaRaider44]

That's how I have it set, but no luck.

How big is your monitor as it will auto adjust to what size you have available.

 

[DirtDiggler2823]

How big is your monitor as it will auto adjust to what size you have available.

22-23 inches maybe. Monitor might just be too small..... ;Bucktooth

 

[AquaRaider44]

22-23 inches maybe. Monitor might just be too small..... ;Bucktooth

Yep might be. I have 2 27 inch monitors and it works fine on either of mine but I prefer one column

 

[DirtDiggler2823]

Yep might be. I have 2 27 inch monitors and it works fine on either of mine but I prefer one column

looking to upgrade my rig this year, and I'd probably get new monitors as well. How goes your reef-pi?

 

[AquaRaider44]

looking to upgrade my rig this year, and I'd probably get new monitors as well. How goes your reef-pi?

It's going amazing check out my build thread. Can't wait for my connectors for my lights and pH calibration solution to show up. Then it will pretty much be complete. I'd like to add a lunar light but am unsure if anyone has any good suggestions on one to buy. https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/reef-pi-the-all-in-one-pi-challenge.592733/

 

[bala murugan 00500]

IN reef -pi >> dashboard >> Configure >> Columns change the Columns value to 2

 

[Bigtrout]

It's going amazing check out my build thread. Can't wait for my connectors for my lights and pH calibration solution to show up. Then it will pretty much be complete. I'd like to add a lunar light but am unsure if anyone has any good suggestions on one to buy. https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/reef-pi-the-all-in-one-pi-challenge.592733/

Get a cheapy and pwm control it to dim it...the blue channel on my beamswork lights goes pretty dim

 

[ChrisNH]

I got some canon plugs for routing my ATO water sensor through the case:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/371820092068

I am using the DFRobot sensor.

Then realized it might mess up the sensor. Is this going to be a problem?

 

[AquaRaider44]

I got some canon plugs for routing my ATO water sensor through the case:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/371820092068

I am using the DFRobot sensor.

Then realized it might mess up the sensor. Is this going to be a problem?

I think it will work right as long as you connect the wires properly on both ends.

 

[AquaRaider44]

Get a cheapy and pwm control it to dim it...the blue channel on my beamswork lights goes pretty dim

How would I go about PWM controlling a 6v 300 ma led module?

 

[Ranjib]

How would I go about PWM controlling a 6v 300 ma led module?

ULN2803A IC to gate the 6v 300ma power, and Pi or pca9685 for pwm. You can also use most logic level mosfets (the one I showed in adafruit guide).

 

[AquaRaider44]

ULN2803A IC to gate the 6v 300ma power, and Pi or pca9685 for pwm. You can also use most logic level mosfets (the one I showed in adafruit guide).

OK I was just about to ask that so I can use either a ULN2803 or an N-channel MOSFET. Since I already have a ULN2803 @ 12v with 4 free slots I suppose I should try to maybe find 12v led lights and use the existing setup.

 

[DirtDiggler2823]

IN reef -pi >> dashboard >> Configure >> Columns change the Columns value to 2

Going to try and reduce the size of the tiles

 

[AquaRaider44]

ULN2803A IC to gate the 6v 300ma power, and Pi or pca9685 for pwm. You can also use most logic level mosfets (the one I showed in adafruit guide).

Are all LED's dimmable using PWM? For example https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...title_srh_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A19PINGUYHMOO6 says its not dimmable but does that mean non-voltage dimmable but PWM would work?

 

[Ryan115]

I have the same concern as well, but I think theres some good mechanism in place now. I am using google wifi routers (two of them) to build a mesh network at home/garage. Each of these little beasts can easily support 12-15 devices. So theres redundancy as well as isolation from my comcast/xfinity router. Which means my devices (reef-pi, model railroad controller, octoprint, garage controller, terrrarium controller etc etc) will continue function even if comcast router dies or disconnect from internet. This also gives me the ability to watch their health state from mobile app anywhere in the world and poke a hole (port forward) on-demand, without relying on xfinity's expensive packages (my xfinity ??). Its still need to be proven for long term usage, as i just introduced this in less than a month before, but i think this is something reliable enough that I can recommend. I'll keep you all posted about my learning

With many of these devices having power monitoring, would it be possible to get some validation checks on whether devices are actually turned on/off when reef-pi tells them to? Additionally some monitoring of pumps and such as they start pulling more power when they are getting dirty.